How does a microwave oven work

If you had a question about how a microwave works, then it will not be difficult to answer it, because this device has been on the market of home appliances for a long time and its characteristics have been studied far and wide. The principle of operation of a microwave oven is based on the effect of microwaves on a product placed inside the appliance. Details about what a microwave oven and microwave, will be discussed below.

Operating principle

The basis of the operation of devices of this type is the transformation of the so-called electromagnetic microwave fields. This field is converted into heat energy and warms the food in the chamber. The principle of operation of a microwave oven is different from other cooking devices: ovens (both gas and electric,where heating occurs due to the elementary heating of the contact surface and the surrounding space in the chamber) and the plates.

The principle of operation of the microwave allows you to heat only the object itself, placed inside. Therefore, the process of warming up food occurs fairly quickly. At one time, it was precisely this advantage that allowed the microwave to gain popularity and confidently take a leading position in the market of kitchen appliances. To defrost or preheat a cooked dish, it was no longer necessary to expend extra energy (to heat the entire chamber). In a few minutes, the electrowave effect raised the temperature to the required. For example, a piece of frozen meat was ready for cutting and further cooking without a long wait.

Traditional types of thermal effects are somewhat different. Heat served to the surface of the heated object, as a result of which it is quite often possible to observe such a picture when the outer side of the dish being thawed is already covered with a crust and started to burn, and inside it remains frozen.This is due to the fact that the heating is uneven, the heat is distributed vertically: from the upper layer to the inner one. This method is much less effective than the operation of the microwave oven, besides it requires a certain skill and culinary skills from the owner, whereas for cooking in a microwave oven just press a couple of buttons and expect a result.

The electric circuit of the microwave oven has remained unchanged since the device was launched into mass production. For the sake of current requirements, the appearance has changed, the devices have become more aesthetically attractive. A lot of hardware functions were added, more comfortable methods of control, power control of exposure, but the principle itself remained the same as 50 years ago. This is connected not only with the well-known statement “why change something that works so well,” but the principle itself does not imply any radical changes.

By the way, when it comes to the microwave and the microwave oven, it should be remembered that these concepts are identical, these devices are not different types of devices, as it may seem to someone at first glance.

A couple of decades ago, the microwave oven was an element of luxury and was more likely to be present in the kitchen as an element of decor than it was a subject for everyday use. Of course, over time, production technologies have become more accessible to the mass market, which has led to the wide availability of microwaves and their widespread prevalence. So, from a piece of luxury and rare technological wonders, a microwave oven has become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen, able to prepare simple dishes in a matter of moments.

A few words about heating

The microwave device includes the so-called magnetron. This definition should be familiar to anyone who knows how radar works and works.

The microwave, as a mechanical device, is able to quickly heat the products thanks to the magnetron.

If we consider the electrical circuit of the microwave oven (for example, Samsung) from the inside, it becomes clear that these developments have migrated to the segment of household appliances from heavy industry. Different types of devices differ only in appearance.So, for example, the LG microwave circuit will be little different from the microwave circuit of the Daewoo brand.

Here is how the microwave oven works: the magnetron in the process of work begins to release energy, which is converted to heat and used as targeted heating. This type of device operates from anode-filament transformer-stabilizer. At first, this particular item was the most expensive in the production of the microwave. But over time, its cost dropped to acceptable, which made possible the mass production of devices.

Considering the internal structure of the microwave, it is worth considering in more detail the design shunt magnetic circuit. This unit allows you to change the voltage increase in error from 2% within the range of 10% of the electrical network. The main feature of the transformer is the high force of inductive dispersion of the magnetic circuit. Perhaps, in words, the description of the principle of operation of a microwave oven looks somewhat complicated, but in practice the device is quite simple.

At the time the design started, the design engineers encountered an increased level of noise while the microwave was operating.In general, it is worth mentioning that a high noise level is a problem of many devices, which are based on a unit for heat removal or cooling. Subsequently, of course, this problem was solved, and in a rather interesting way. To eliminate the increased vibration, some parts were joined by welding.

The microwave device starts first with the case. In most cases, it represents rectangular box. This was done not because designers suffer from a lack of imagination; the point here is in the specifics of operation.

When the microwave is turned on, the waves are not just directed to the heated object, in addition, they are reflected from the interior of the case, which significantly increases the thermal effect.

Also optimize the heating process allows rotating part - saucer. As it rotates, the waves are distributed evenly over the entire surface of the heated object. The wave entering the food tank always has different shape - This is another specific feature of microwave ovens. Some waves are nodal, others are formed in the form of beams, so the impact is chaotic in nature, but optimization measures allow to level this process.

In the entire history of the existence of this type of device, the process of their manufacture, thermal effect and its optimization have been refined by the manufacturers to an ideal state. Today, a microwave oven is a complete device, fully operational, reliable and safe, as evidenced by the many certificates of international observational consortia that regulate the harmful effects of technology on the human body.

The important function of the microwave door

No less attention is paid to the door during production. In microwave ovens, the door is not only a decorative element, but also plays the role of a kind fuse. The principle is very simple: if you open the door, the lock is activated and the operation of the units stops. Despite the apparent simplicity, the device door is quite difficult, because it is associated with the safe operation of the entire apparatus.

So, let's take a closer look at how the microwave door works:

• First, the manufacturer needs to traceso that the door and the body of the device ideally adjoined to each other with a minimum angle. Large gaps do not allow to use the device. The reason is simple, the door serves as a kind microwave shield, and if the gap is large enough, radiation can penetrate outside the cooking chamber. The fact that such a radiation and what is its danger, has long been known.
• Secondly, the perimeter of the door is equipped with a high frequency throttle. This unit serves to reduce radiation to an acceptable level.
• Thirdly, at the time of casting the door body, a lot of additives are added, with which a high percentage of radiation absorption is achieved. Of course, one cannot be completely sure of the 100% absorption of radiation, but one should not doubt that the residual waves do not represent a danger and significant harm to human health.

Microwave control unit

In the entire history of the device, this part of the microwave has not undergone any major changes. In general, it is always two handles, one of which is responsible for the temperature, and the other - during cooking.Of course, today you can find many differences in modifications: from simple "wheels" to control units, which will have many different functions. That's just the essence of them, often reduced to the old and proven principle, nothing new in the device of microwave microwave ovens for all the time they exist has not been invented. The principal difference may lie perhaps in the concept of control of the device.

Now, many manufacturers (for example, Samsung) rely on the innovative component and integrate touch control panels into their microwaves.

A little about the dangers of microwaves

Disputes about harm to microwave ovens do not cease since their launch in mass production. To date, there is no any reliable information confirming the harm from the use of this type of device.

Do not forget that the microwave does not emit radioactive waves. On the contrary, the microwave allows you to cook foods without losing their beneficial properties. Food is healthier because up to 80% of vitamins and minerals are stored in it.

Traditional ovens and stoves cannot boast of such a result.If you operate the device clearly according to the rules, then there is no danger from its operation. This conclusion is confirmed by the way the microwave oven is constructed, as mentioned above.

Harm can not bring healthy food cooked in a microwave oven (the so-called fast food), and thermal microwave effects absolutely nothing to do with it. The harm of pies (and other flour products) lies not in the fact that they are cooked in the oven, but in their high calorie and slow digestibility by the body.

The frequency of your microwave, which is also mentioned when it comes to harm, also does not play any significant role. It (frequency) can change as much as you like, but this (despite common misconception) will not lead to an increase or decrease in radiation, the background remains the same.

Conclusion

The conclusion that suggests itself: a microwave is a very simple, but indispensable in the kitchen device that makes life easier for us every day. It is convenient and unpretentious to use and maintain, easy to clean, takes up little space and consumes quite a bit of energy.The microwave device, as discussed above, remained unchanged: magnetron, a / v transformer, a / v condenser, cooler and cooking chamber. The reliability of this technique has been proven in practice for several decades.